Everyone knows that excess weight is bad for overall health, but a new study has found that overweight middle-aged people may face more health problems later in life. The latest information provides a compelling reason to shed those extra pounds.
The study included nearly 30,000 men and women and found that the more people weighed around the age of 40, the higher their risk of chronic health conditions after the age of 65. Obesity had particularly severe levels, cutting people’s lives short by approximately five years.
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Morbid obesity refers to a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. These patients are at least 100 pounds overweight and often have health conditions including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Although the study found that obesity in middle age could be the most significant health threat, it is not the only one. Middle-aged people who had excess weight also faced serious health consequences later down the line. When it came to chronic health conditions, overweight people were worse compared to their healthy-weight counterparts. It was found that they typically spent an extra year of their lives with health conditions such as stroke, diabetes, or heart disease.
The study adds to mounting evidence that suggests you can benefit from losing a small amount of weight or preventing yourself from moving into the obese category. However, researchers caution that weight loss or maintaining weight loss isn’t easy. People also generally gain weight as they get older, so a middle-aged person trying to shed pounds may feel like they are fighting an uphill battle.
Try to keep in mind that it’s not all about the number on the scale. Health benefits can still come from eating well and exercising, even if the scale doesn’t seem to change.
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Researchers suggest that people start with small changes in their diet and lifestyle. This could mean using the stairs instead of the elevator, walking around the neighborhood daily, or replacing sugary drinks with water.
Staying Healthy Throughout Life
For overall general health, it is essential to follow lifestyle behaviors that can help to reduce the risk of illness or disease. By getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, and making sure your body gets all the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs, you can help to ensure good health later in life.
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